Sorry this is so late but I've had SO MANY TESTS to study for that I haven't had time to write for so long. I'm glad that you have all been so understanding.

…

Chapter 9

Babette, positioned behind Lumiere on the horse, stayed silent throughout the journey. She was petrified, and her mind started to dream up all of the horrible possibilities of peoples' reactions of her return. The Prince and Princess could dismiss her, deeming her dangerous. There was a great chance that no one would treat her the same as they once had. There was a chance that Lumiere would be dismissed for returning a monster to the castle.

Before her mind could go any further, Babette shook her head to dismiss the thoughts "No, I am being ridiculous. There will be no difference in how anyone treats me. Everything will be fine" she said softly. Although, she wasn't sure if she could believe her own words.

Lumiere, thinking he had heard her speak, glanced over his shoulder "Did you say something?" he inquired.

The young woman, not wanting to worry him, answered "No, you must have been mistaken."

Her companion, knowing better, refused to accept her answer "Try again, and reply to me truthfully this time Babette" he said.

She sighed "I am nervous. I do not know what everyone will think of me now" she answered.

He nodded "Do not worry yourself Babette, I will protect you from anyone who dares question you" replied the Frenchman.

"But you may have to protect them from me" responded the young woman. She still did not completely trust that she was entirely free from her Zemya state, and was unsure what reactions she would have to people who angered her.

Lumiere looked over his shoulder at her and flashed a charming grin of reassurance. His companion smiled at this "I have missed that smile" she thought. Oh, how many things she missed. Mrs. Potts's loving nature, Chip's childishness…everyone in the castle. She laughed to herself "Mon Dieu, I even miss Cogsworth" she said a little too loudly.

The young man in front of her, having heard this, replied with a laugh of his own "You surely must have missed life at the castle then ma cheri."

Babette stayed silent after his comment, and chose to study his aura. The young woman was surprised upon seeing that his golden aura swirled with many different colours, and therefore, emotions. Concern, relief, happiness, disbelief and…

Love.

That was when she made his aura vanish from her sight. She no longer wished to see it. Guilt filled her "He loves me, but I am incapable of loving anyone now" she thought. When she had become a Zemya, her ability to love another had been suffocated by darkness and evil. She did not know how to tell Lumiere, but wanted to do so quickly so his hopes would not get too high.

Her thoughts were broken suddenly when the horse stopped. Lumiere said, dismounting "We are here cheri." Taking his hand, Babette allowed him to help her down.

Before either of them could speak, the voice of a certain little boy came from in front of them "Babette! You're back!" he cried. Chip ran up to them and embraced her (or what he could of her) tightly.

Surprised, she asked tentatively "You…are not afraid of me?"

He shook his head "No, I'm not scared. You didn't want to go away" he replied innocently.

As soon as she stepped through the castle doors, Babette was greeted by countless hugs and tearful exclamations of 'I missed you' and 'I was so worried' from the castle inhabitants.

After awakening the next morning, the young woman looked around her room and sighed. She had lost count of how many weeks she had been 'away' and thought that her room would most likely need a good clean. However, she was still glad to be surrounded by familiar things after months of 'staying' with her sister.

Her sister. That thought alone made Babette stop in her tracks as she considered what she had done. She had left her older sister to die. Jacqueline did many unspeakable things to her, yes, but the maid still felt guilty about leaving her alone to die. After all, she was still family.

Before her mind could guilt her further with images of Jacqueline's pain, the sound of Cogsworth's running footsteps interrupted her. The young woman turned to see him come to a panting halt in front of her. He handed the piece of paper that was in his hand to her, before saying breathlessly "This…just…came for you."

"A letter already? I have only been back for a short while" muttered the maid in confusion. So transfixed on the letter, she hadn't even noticed that Cogsworth had went away. Babette shrugged and opened the letter, unfolded the paper, and read. The letter was very short, but revealed too much for her liking.

Well, it seems you have forgotten what I taught you as a Zemya…never leave your victims until you are sure they are dead. You really should have remembered that ma cheri souer, it was one of my first lessons.

You have made a very stupid mistake Babette, one that may cost you.

I will be looking forward to the next time we meet,

Jacqueline R.

Babette could do nothing but stare at the piece of paper in her now shaking hands. She stared particularly at the name at the bottom, one that was certainly familiar. The maid bit her lip. She had thought things would be over, that life could finally regain normality.

But, as it turned out, things were nowhere near over.

…

Dun Dun Dun! That's the end of Book 2 folks…and Book 3 will be coming up soon, I promise.

Just remember though…be very patient!

Babetteisawesome.